Cracknell and Walters have another record in their sights

James Cracknell and Jerone Walters will aim to break one of the oldest cycling records in the world when they depart from Land’s End on their custom built Dolan tandem, ‘Rocket 2.’

Unbeaten since 1966, the Land’s End to John O’Groats men’s tandem record belongs to PM Swinden and WJ Withers, standing at 50 hours 14 minutes. If weather conditions prove suitable, the pair will depart at 3am on Saturday October 1 to ride through Bristol, Lancaster and Gretna Green before aiming to arrive at John O’Groats before 5am on October 3.

The solo record on a conventional bicycle for the 874 miles is 44 hours and 4 minutes, set by Gethin Butler in 2001.

James and Jerone, no strangers to the challenge of riding the length of the UK against the clock, are launching their attempt to raise money for the Headway Brain Injury Association, a cause with particular relevance for James.

“Without Headway’s support I would not be making this record attempt. They reach so many families and teach them how to understand and deal with the obvious, and more subtle, effects of brain injury,” James explained. “With their help, my family and I have been able to rebuild our lives together.”

Connect with us

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Cycling Weekly and other brands within the Time Inc. UK Group by email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.